Residential Program Director Jobs in Appleton, WI

Job Purpose

Reports to the Group Homes Program Manager in providing overnight leadership, care, supervision, safety monitoring, and therapeutic treatment to youth within the residential program. The Overnight Lead serves as the designated shift leader during sleeping and morning hours, supports implementation of youth treatment plans, provides direction and coaching to overnight direct care staff, completes scheduled rounds to all homes, responds to youth and staff needs, and promotes a safe, therapeutic, trauma-informed environment. This position bridges direct care and supervisory functions by coordinating overnight operations, documentation, medication administration, morning transitions, and crisis support while ensuring quality care and compliance with organizational, licensing, and regulatory requirements. Acts as a working member of the direct-care team and is included in staff-to-youth ratio counts while supervising youth and overseeing overnight operations.

Essential Functions

Supports the Therapeutic and Trauma-Informed Culture

• Promotes and models the organization's trauma-informed philosophy of care during overnight and morning hours.
• Builds and maintains therapeutic relationships with youth and staff.
• Maintains awareness of youth treatment goals and support plans.
• Recognizes and reinforces progress toward treatment goals and positive behavioral outcomes.

Ensures Overnight Safety, Security, and Supervision

• Remains awake, alert, and available throughout the assigned overnight shift.
• Completes scheduled rounds to all homes throughout the night and responds to youth and staff needs.
• Provides line-of-sight supervision and proactive behavior management.
• Monitors residential environments for safety, security, cleanliness, and readiness for the next day.

Provides Overnight Shift Leadership and Staff Support

• Serves as the designated lead staff member during assigned overnight shifts.
• Provides work direction, guidance, coaching, and support to overnight residential staff.
• Assists with onboarding, training, and mentoring of new staff members.
• Supports staff development through regular feedback, documentation review, and coaching as assigned.

Supports Youth Treatment Plans and Morning Transitions

• Ensures staff consistently implement approved treatment strategies and living-unit routines.
• Assists youth with bedtime expectations, wake-up routines, breakfast preparation, and readiness for school or programming.
• Communicates observed issues, incidents, or overnight concerns to morning staff and the Treatment Team.
• Supports youth development across Rawhide's program elements and wellness expectations as directed.

Oversees Medication Administration and Youth Services

• Ensures medications are administered according to physician orders and organizational procedures.
• Completes medication logs accurately and reports medication concerns or issues promptly.
• Coordinates transportation, appointments, and program activities as needed.

Ensures Accurate Documentation and Compliance

• Completes documentation required by licensing and organizational standards.
• Completes daily reports, medication logs, incident reports, medical and injury reports, and overnight checklists as required.
• Reviews documentation for completeness and accuracy.
• Supports compliance with organizational, licensing, and regulatory requirements.

Maintains a Safe and Therapeutic Environment

• Responds appropriately to crisis situations and emergencies.
• Provides crisis support to living units and utilizes approved interventions when necessary.
• Completes household duties and next-day preparation to maintain clean, stocked, and functional homes.

Qualifications

Required:

• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• Bachelor's degree in a social or behavioral science field, Human Services, Social Work, Psychology, Criminal Justice, Education, or related field; equivalent education and directly related experience may be considered based on program and licensing requirements.
• One to two years of field work or employment experience working with the type of youth population served.
• Demonstrated leadership abilities and ability to provide work direction to peers.
• Valid driver's license with an insurable driving record.
• Ability to exercise critical thinking, judgment, discernment, and sound decision-making skills.
• Ability to remain awake and alert during overnight shifts, complete rounds, and stand for long periods of time.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to safely perform approved physical interventions when necessary.

Preferred:

• Completion of Rawhide's supervised traineeship program.
• Previous leadership, lead worker, or supervisory experience.
• Experience training, mentoring, or coaching staff.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed care, crisis intervention, and licensing documentation standards.
• Experience with medication administration processes and residential overnight operations.

Professional Development & Organizational Responsibilities

Maintains Professional and Technical Knowledge

• Attends required trainings and professional development opportunities.
• Maintains certifications and training requirements.
• Builds and maintains professional networks and learning resources that strengthen youth services practice.

Maintains Staff and Program Results

• Supports continuous quality improvement initiatives.
• Trains, coaches, and supports staff while monitoring progress and providing feedback as assigned.
• Assists with monitoring program outcomes and compliance standards.

Protects the Credibility of the Organization's Mission

• Demonstrates behaviors consistent with the organization's mission, vision, and values.
• Complies with Rawhide standards of conduct and sets an example, in words and actions, consistent with the values and beliefs of Rawhide.

Contributes to Team Effort

• Participates actively in meetings, team discussions, and shift handoffs.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Benefit Overview:

• Competitive Pay
• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance
• Competitive 401k plan
• 10 paid Holidays
• PTO, VTO, Wellness Day, & Floating Holiday
• 5 Weeks Paid Sabbatical Leave
• Onsite Cafe and Coffee Shop(New London)
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Nature Trails/Waterfront on 600+ acres (New London)
• Onsite Fitness Center and Gymnasium(New London)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Jury Duty Leave
• Bereavement Leave
• Paid Benefits for Birth or Adoption